#ok so this post went on kind of a journey

[friendofthecrows]

Veganism doesn't work for me mostly bc health constraints but also bc if you truly believe all life forms are sacred and equal then...why is eating plants meaningfully different? Fruits and things you can eat without killing the plant I understand but that's going to land you with a really restrictive diet, isn't it? Personally, I prefer to be just as respectful and grateful if taking the life of a plant as I am if taking the life of an animal.

I'd prefer to think about the impact of my choices on my health, the environment, and society instead of just whether it came from an animal. Such as only buying from ethical local farms if I can afford it, or harvesting the plants, animals, and fungi myself in a way I know is sustainable.

For example, invasive species are always ethical to harvest. Grey squirrels are gamey but edible, especially in soup, and they're invasive in many areas (look up for where you live) and have been out-competing local red squirrels. Eurasian collared doves are invasive in the US as well. And of course you can look up invasive plant species for your area (obviously check to see whether they are edible). Even if they're invasive, you're still taking a life, so you have to be respectful and do so as quickly and painlessly as possible (as far as we know the last bit doesn't apply to plants and fungi).

I understand the complaint that animals can't consent, but neither can plants and fungi. We do see that animals are okay with eating other animals, including sometimes of the same species, and plants, plants will eat anything, and so will fungi. But either way, if you're worried about consent to be eaten, your only ethical choice is cannibalism, which is obviously impractical due to health risks like prion disease, the law, and the fact it's highly unlikely you'd find anyone that consents. Since no other lifeforms on earth seem to care about consent when it comes to eating, I've personally chosen not to either, meaning that I don't have to engage in cannibalism :)

[celestie0]

hi friends, i won’t be posting or updating any of my works for an indefinite period n will be on hiatus from this blog as well.

i’ve unlisted kickoff & ihm on ao3 (haven’t deleted, they’ve just been made private) and i’ve unpinned my masterlist here on tumblr (again nothing’s been deleted so you could probably find the chapters if you searched my tags)

but the reason i did that is because i don’t want any new readers finding my works during my hiatus because i don’t want to potentially upset more people in the event that, during this hiatus, i decide that i would no longer like to write my fics

that would be an insanely sad decision to make. i put so much thought into my stories not because i am trying to make them entertaining, but it’s because they genuinely mean so much to me and are cathartic in ways i can’t describe. i have spent a great majority of my life self negating for the sake of others, and so writing was just a form of expression where i could talk about all the things i’ve suppressed over the years - anxiety, career stress, financial stress, avoidance, depression, loss, coming of age, navigating love, etc

but lately, and i do think it’s been a build up of just some careless words from a handful of people over the months, i find myself steering towards a practice of writing that is no longer asking the question “how can i put as much of myself in this piece as possible?” but rather “how can i make sure people won’t criticize this…i feel awful that it doesn’t have what they want it to have…other creators are doing xyz, should i be doing that too?…i’m just scared to share this”

not exactly sure when that shift in headspace began, but as of right now, it’s as strong as ever. and i understand that those questions may seem irrational, and i just have to try to not focus on the feeling, n i wish i was someone that could compartmentalize those thoughts better, but here’s the thing — the whole reason i started expressing myself through writing in the first place was because i’ve spent my whole life compartmentalizing. it would feel so ironic & untrue to the lessons i’ve learned in this journey if i just chose to “suck this up” and continue pushing forward until i reach a point of burnout simply because i don’t want to upset anyone

i’m really sorry i couldn’t focus on the positive. especially with all the insane n incredible amount of love n support i’ve received for my works. i’ve said this time n time again but when i started posting kickoff to ao3 back in january of this year, i had NO idea it would be this loved by so many people…i was like ok can’t wait to interact w these four readers for the rest of the year…and then BAM, i find myself fully sobbing after each chapter update because i was so touched by all the sweet n kind words. i don’t want this decision to come off in a way that makes it seems like i don’t love u guys sm or that i’m ungrateful — i’ve always taken pride in respecting my audience. even for a simple hobby, i try to put effort into my works. i proofread, i plan out, i edit in length, all because i am, well, for one, i’m a bit of a perfectionist LOL but also i think there’s a great deal of honor in respecting an audience that gives you their time n attention

but i already am struggling in my life to focus on the positive. medicine has been such an incredibly daunting career to pursue, i’m honestly only doing slightly better now because i’m just filled with relief that i got into med school to begin with lol it’s still surreal to me, so the stress has been kinda manageable so far on that sense of optimism, but dear god the shit i went through to get here…and the shit i know i still face ahead of me. i spend all of my serotonin on trying to stay positive in the face of my responsibilities. so all of this time i’ve spent trying to stay positive for the sake of my stories too has just left me with so much exhaustion — i just don’t see why posting my works should be anything less than fun and endlessly exciting when it’s a hobby that’s supposed to help me thru the actual brunt of life.

anyways, i’m getting a little carried away here. all this to say, i just need to take time away from posting my works so i can see writing as something for myself n not for others again. i don’t want the thoughts swimming in my head to be thoughts of anxiety over people potentially criticizing me n my creative decisions. i want the thoughts in my head to once again be positive, excited, and nurturing towards my stories. i don’t see how i can accomplish that at this point unless i start writing for myself once more, and not for others

i still have a great deal of passion to write, which is why i haven’t formally taken down my works. i anticipate that i may be able to come back in the future to share my writing again. but as of right now, i just want to heal the relationship that i have with this hobby, and i feel like that’s gotta happen in private (lmfao it sounds like im tryna freak my writing)

i’m sorry that i turned off my asks n my replies, i know so many of u care about me n want to support me n i just am beyond thankful. i don’t anticipate this is a forever goodbye, but i do just need some time rn away from all of this.

hope u all have a happy time!! and take care of yourselves :) much love

- ellie

[monakisu]

I want you to know that I came across a random post of your Death Note art, went "Awww, oh my gosh, with the way this person draws Light I think Akechi would look fantastic in the same style!", clicked onto your profile, and then saw your newest artwork was Akechi. I'm still kind of cackling over it and thought maybe you'd find it funny too. Your art is SO cute, I'm very happy I found it <333

HAHA THAT’S AMAZING (<< was an akechi artist wayyyy before i fell head over heels for light)

but rlly… theyre so similar:

- brunet

- asshole

- pretty boy

- mass murderer

- black-haired homoerotic rival

at the end of the day, the key difference is one is a top and the other is a bottom.

ok but seriously, they’re vastly different characters on a fundamental level:

- light was handed everything him on a silver platter: family, friends, looks, intellect, a comfortable life… as a bastard child of a sex worker and now an orphan, goro had to fight his way to his current position and will always harbor a terrible sense of inferiority (light is completely confident in his absolute superiority, Always (that’s why the challenge of L sent him off the deep end of obsession lol))

- light genuinely sees himself as a hero, while goro would like to feel the same but is nonetheless depressingly aware of his villain’s journey (his undesirable position as the detective vs the underdog phantom thieves, his string of assassinations, his ultimate dirty bloody goal, etc.).

- light’s motive is about the world’s salvation, cleansing, the birth of his ideal reality (very messianic of him with the slightest loving tinge of mary cradling her lamb hahaha) while goro is laser-focused on ruining this one asshole’s life in particular, vengeance and revenge at once! one’s focused on rebirth, and the other gunning straight for death! they both use murder to get what they want but light probably floats around thinking himself so clean and divine as mother of the world (ignorance is bliss) while goro is constantly desperately trying to cover up his suspiciously red hands with his gloves hehehe… they’re both constantly striving for perfection, just with varying levels of self-awareness!!

- goro is a canonical loner; light has a horde of friends; this is probably due to a difference in public persona! goro is an untouchable idea of what he thinks a human should be and is completely out of the loop when it comes to normal social interactions (believes opening with hegel will instantly endear himself to the average person (luckily he inflicted that upon akira who is decidedly not average in the slightest)), light is implied to be more down-to-earth and even slightly goofy (he’s gaming decorum like an advanced speedrunner)! it’s probably good how distant goro is, because getting any closer to him will allow you to see how off-putting and uncanny he is, sorta like an AI-generated image—seams in the wrong places and far too much teeth LOL. meanwhile light has this whole shebang so thoroughly figured out that he’s BORED with it all! he’d like to move on to the next game (with L), thank you!! light definitely still exudes uncanny creepiness (it’s his natural state of being) especially when he zones out or starts hysterically cackling out of nowhere at his own thoughts, but he’s a hundred times better at masking compared to goro due to a better upbringing. goro is starved for the adoring friends he sees akira easily picking up one after another; light couldn’t give less of a shit because he’s always had those trivial luxuries! he’d much rather prefer an adoring WORLD!!

- then there’s the difference in how they die… one started out surrounded with company but ultimately died alone, while it’s the opposite for the other (if you count the de-realization of maruki’s reality as goro’s “death” (which i don’t)).

- in conclusion, light and goro are like funhouse mirror reflections of each other!!! one is a pampered lapdog getting a taste of rabies and letting loose, while the other is a starving wolf trying to domesticate itself for treats and headpats!! and i <3 them both!!!!!

anyways i may be wrong about light because im going purely off of fics, tumblr shitposts, and my own imagination :] feel free to school me in a way that won’t destroy my delusions!

[hikarielizabethbloom]

Post about Galadriel because I am obsessed.

Ok, I'm gonna write something some of you may not agree with, but this is just my opinion, not canon. So please be kind because I refuse to fight over fictional characters again.

Also, bear in mind that I am very critical of my favorite characters. I firmly believe that, at least in fiction, they should be held accountable for their actions, especially when said actions affect others, no matter their motivations and intentions.

Now, season 1, Galadriel was a mess. She was a war survivor, she had PTSD, and she was, well, Galadriel. Seriously, what was she supposed to do when the war was over and she was left with nothing by herself? Find peace in Valinor? All alone? With just her pain and memories as her companions? No, she needed a quest to survive. A path to revenge. Anything that could help ease the pain. And she found one. Or maybe she created one herself in her mind. But this is what Gil-galad and Elrond, hell, even her men, saw, and I don't blame them for being wary of her. Yes, in the end, she turned out to be right, and her instincts were spot on, but it was a 50/50 situation here. She said so herself, she jumped off the ship, and she prayed she made the right decision.

And then, she met Halbrand. And that's how season 1 began. Galadriel made a lot of bad decisions in s1 that led to awful consequences. So yes, she was right, but she also made sure to be right. You know what I mean. And even if it was not her intention, she did give Halbrand the strength, power and motivation to become the Sauron we love. And that manipulative bastard played right in her insecurities. Hell, she was so out of her mind because of her fear, pain, and the darkness she felt in herself that, for one moment, she wanted to accept what Sauron offered her. And even after she found the truth, she decided to keep it to herself because she didn't want to face her mistakes yet.

But that led to Sauron in Eregion.

I love Galadriel arc in s2. Yes, it was more of a psychological journey, but she was basically involved in everything. And I know that fans believed she was not treated right in s2, but I really don't see it. She brought Sauron into the elves' home, and all she got was a scolding from Gil-Galad and a few mean words from Elrond. But she still got her way because, despite everything, both elves loved her and respected her. All the elves are in awe of her tbh, she just can't see it because she doesn't believe in herself. And that's her path in s2. All that she went through with Halbrand, with the elves, with Adar (yes, IMO, he did have an impact on her) and with herself led to that final moment with Sauron. She battled her demons. She battled with herself. And in the end, she won. Because her darkness didn't define her, and neither did her mistakes. Her actions do. Celebrimbor showed the way. When she woke up, her friends were around her. Waiting for her to lead her on their new path.

In the finale, Galadriel doesn't just decline Sauron's offer, she chooses herself. She doesn't need him to be worshipped. She has done it by herself with her actions. She has all the power she needs. She is all she needs.

Does that mean that she won't be tempted by the darkness again? Obviously, she will. And she will probably make other mistakes as well. The difference is that she now knows how to deal with them. She has a better support system.

Ok, there's probably more, but I'm gonna stop here.

[gay-mooshrooms]

Part 1 of Spock TOS vs AOS

Ok so from popular demand I’m posting this. I made a post a lil while ago about writing an "essay" looking at the differences in Spock's characterization and relationship with kirk in TOS vs AOS so this is the first part of that cus I actually polished it up XD. First couple paragraphs under to cut :)

A lot of things bug me about the AOS movies and there’s a whole nother essay there, BUT, one of the biggest things that’s always bugged me is the difference in Kirk and Spock’s dynamic from TOS to AOS. If you’ve seen both you know exactly what I’m talking about. Obviously a large portion of the difference comes from the changes in individual stories and personalities. Kirk is made much more aggressive and the “macho man” he has become known to be in popular culture, and Spock is also shown to be more assertive. The timing in AOS is also different, in TOS they’ve already known each other for a short period of time, Kirk is already the captain of the Enterprise and Spock is already the First Officer, we meet them when they already have professional respect and admiration for each other. In AOS we don’t get that. They meet each other much earlier and at very different stages of their character development. This causes tension from the get-go which will continue pretty much throughout all 3 movies to some extent.

However, I think a lot of the changes in the relationship and personality, specifically on Spock’s front, can be attributed to the change in his relationship with his parents. In TOS we see, primarily in the episode Journey to Babel where we first meet Spock’s parents, that he has at least a semi-strained relationship with both of them. He hasn’t visited either of them in years, and Sarek declines to have him as a guide around the Enterprise. Amanda tells Kirk that the reason for this strain was Spock’s choice to enlist in Starfleet, which went directly against Sareks wishes and Vulcan teaching that he had been forcing on Spock from an extremely young age. In AOS we see something entirely different, while it is true Spock was originally going to go to the Vulcan Science Academy, as his father wished, he chose to enlist in Starfleet not due to a sense of alienation or a longing for a place to belong, but out of righteous anger at his and his mother’s treatment from the Vulcan’s of the Academy, so while Sarek might not have approved entirely, he didn’t object either. 

Sarek is not the only change we see, Amanda is changed a lot in AOS, and her change is arguably more important. The Amanda we see in AOS is a very kind and understanding woman, and Spock is shown to care very deeply for her and she was likely the person he was closest to before enlisting in Starfleet, which we can tell from how he reacts to her death. But the most important thing is how she treats him and his choices. It is established extremely early on that she would love and support Spock no matter what path he goes down, even when he asks outright if she would support him going through Kohlinar(the purging of all emotions), which would effectively eliminate his human side(or at least he hopes it would), and permanently distance her from him. This is EXTREMELY different from the Amanda we see in TOS. In TOS Amanda does seem to somewhat understand her son’s struggle, but she neglects to realize her own hand in that struggle. She so badly wants Spock to be human like her and tries to force him in that direction many times even when it’s clear he is unwilling or unable to do so, going so far as to slap him. Spock in TOS effectively comes from a divided household, as Sarek and Amanda have such different ideas about who they think he “should” be, Vulcan vs Human, which causes Spock himself to have even more inner turmoil. He is constantly being pulled in two different directions depending on what will make Sarek or Amanda the most pleased, rather than them trying to think what will actually be best for Spock himself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Will post the other bits later <3

@neil-perrys-glasses i know you wanted to read this so here ya go <3333

[completeoveranalysis]

[7]

I- 

APPARENTLY THERE IS ANOTHER THING. Now Clow Reed has traded his life as a price to pay for Syaoran’s. 

WHICH IS ALL VERY WELL AND GOOD BUT MY GOD HE IS SKATING BY ON A TECHNICALITY THERE. More Cardcaptor Sakura spoilers in this post.

Like YES ok he isn’t alive but he didn’t ‘die’ in the traditional sense, and there are two half Clow Reeds walking around alive right this very moment, BUT apparently that is still enough of a price! HE, the original, the Full Clow Reed Experience, is still "current status: not alive", so that looks like it’s enough of a price. 

I suppose his magic itself is also listed as a very significant part of the exchange here too, which neatly ties back into Cardcaptor Sakura yet again. There it was Running Out and this would add another reason why that's the situation they're dealing with (beyond him being dead, which is apparently not enough); he had traded the rest of it away, for Tsubasa Syaoran, so there was none left to keep everything going. Or like, there's something about Eriol in that as well, I can't remember. Eriol inherited the REST of Clow's power, but not as much of it by far, on purpose, so I guess all the missing magic was traded away.

But EVEN SO it feels like an entire universe shift inside my mind here, where we are rewriting the entire reasoning behind Clow Reed’s death into the very fabric of Tsubasa as if it was that way all along. Like, goodness, when was Cardcaptor Sakura? When did that air for my country - the year 2000? That’s over twenty years of a fact living inside my brain before redesigning the entire truth behind it now in 2024. 

Though let’s be real part of that is my fault for reading this so slowly. But still.

I was about to move on but I just also want to go back to Yuuko and add that Yuuko is paving the way for Sakura on two fronts - or switching herself out for two different Sakuras. Her spot in Existence, in the Revived-From-The-Verge-Of-Death-and-In-Between-Reality Zone was given to Super Sakura, which was originally framed as if that was the end of Yuuko already. But now we find out that WHILE that space went to Super Sakura, Yuuko kind of still exists in the world of dreams - but now she’s formally trading her life away for our clone Sakura’s life, so she can continue living once again. 

Oh and the romance of it all. Yuuko and Clow Reed being a tragic couple who couldn’t have the life together that they had in mind, passing their spots in life on to another doomed couple who now CAN have a life together. Yuuko and Clow being hyper powerful beings, willingly trading places with broken clones who didn’t naturally exist in the first place, so that they can be together and fix everything else in their stead. 

Yuuko and Clow (mostly just Clow) breaking the universe, and then passing the torch onto the couple who will fix it instead. 

And add in how involved they were in the process too! Knowing that they would trade their lives away to help these two, and then doing everything they could to help them actually get here in the end. Clow giving up his entire life to go and raise Sakura as long as he could, and Yuuko watching over and helping Syaoran and Sakura on their journey as much as possible, let alone - OH. WAIT. Clow Reed in the Clow Kingdom raising Sakura and Syaoran, while Yuuko helps raise Watanuki, yet another accidental clone person who only came into being because of mistakes they made.

The symmetry of that is wonderful. 

And even like, the framing of Yuuko’s position as the audience understands it. At the start of the story it seems like Yuuko is mostly neutral, if sympathetic, and over time it seems like she’s working towards a greater goal of saving the universe and so it suits her to watch over them. But SURPRISE she and Clow have been deeply involved in raising and supporting these two (or three) from the very beginning of their lives, working heavily behind the scenes to make deals and push people in directions that would eventually spiral around and help them get here - so that Clow and Yuuko could trade their lives away to give Sakura and Syaoran both another chance at life. 

Like OH the secret parents who stepped up and guided these kids when they had no-one else. These kids who weren’t technically born and weren’t originally meant to exist, and Clow and Yuuko stepping in and becoming the parental figures who give up absolutely everything to make sure it turns out ok for them in the end. I just really enjoy that.

[missedmilemarkers]

Hi again!! Figured that since you were technically open to any question, I want to hear your thoughts or views on this. I'm not sure if I could message you (because I'm very awkward and I can't exactly hold a conversation based on small topics) But, how do you feel about choosing something practically over passion? This question has always plagued me ever since it was brought up during class, and it provoked to me how practically was always chosen over passion as it would technically "help" them more than pursuing their passion.

Was choosing tech for you a more practical choice or were you passionate about it? I don't want to sound rude over this question, but it only occurred to me when you mentioned that you were working in a field that is quite more on the technical side. Do you see it as something similar to an art form as you develop products that could help improve lives tremendously? Or is it just a job that you expect to pay good?

(P.S Sharing these photos I took some time ago, I believe it was last year and it was submitted for a class. Hope you enjoy them as well! Not as much sun as the last one though)

First off. Before going into any of the content of this post. THAT GIANT SNAIL IS SOO COOL! I just recently found out that they exist and was just amazed by the size of them. GREAT PICTURE!!!

Alright lets unpack the content of this ask.

TLDR:

You got this I believe in you. Stand tall and proud and go for whatever your heart and head want. If they disagree pick one and evaluate later. Even if your heart and head dont know that is OK as the story of your life unfolds the path will become clear. If you are honest you can always move with confidence and never lose a moment of sleep.

I am choosing to dive deep into this again for a few different reasons. The reason I am doing this you are at a moment in time which you perceive to be important (final exams, deciding about life etc etc etc). The unfortunate thing is this moment is no more important then any other you will experience. All it is would nothing more then a "MileMarker" which you will use for evaluation later in life. That does not mean its not important. All that means is every decision you made every action you took got you to the moment you are in RIGHT NOW. So dont worry no matter your choice you will always make the right decision. Even if its wrong you will always gain insight and that insight will always lead to success if passion is applied.

how do you feel about choosing something practically over passion?

I am not sure if there is exactly a correct answer for this one. If there is I think the best one would be do whatever makes you happy, and the only way to find out what makes you happy is to try. One thing I have learned is sometimes money or love is not enough. One can have all the money in the world and be miserable. Same goes for love. One could be loved by the world and be empty inside. That answer is kind of B.S. for someone that is seeking input. With that being said I will go over some of my experiences. My very first job was at an auto mechanic shop. I used to love working on cars. I would spend my weekends doing it. I would hang out with my friends and all have a great time. So i figured it would be a good choice to work as a mechanic. So I went and got that job. I worked it for about 5 years. At the end of it I never wanted to work on cars again. To this day I will not even change my own oil because I hate it so much. Am I upset it turned out that way? Not at all. Life is all about the experience nothing more nothing less. That lesson for me was finding out what I did not like in life and was just as important in my journey as knowing what I liked. At the end of my mechanic experience I figured I should just go be a garbage man. I would get the same blue jump suit but instead of the trash coming to me I would go to the trash. Really all we can do is to try. There is no wrong answer. Even if one makes a choice and find out its wrong for you that is OK.

Was choosing tech for you a more practical choice or were you passionate about it? "Neither and both"

The reason I brought up the above being a mechanic. If i did not want the same thing to happen on my outlook of computers as it did for mechanics. It was because of this I did not get into tech. I loved it so much I did not want to risk ever hating it. So that is passion but born of practicality based on what is important to me and only me. This is was dictated by my previous experiences and not wanting to have any regret in life. More on this: I have always been interested in computers and tech. I grew up in a very poor household. We only ever had exactly what we needed and nothing more. My childhood was amazing. Yea at the time I wanted more but after I got older and realized how the world was I landed on the outlook of "I could not have asked for more and it was amazing even though it was viewed bad at the time". One of my best friends growing up his family was very rich. It was through him that I was able to get access to technology. From that my obsession was born. I loved tech so much I avoided it professionally because i did not want the same thing to happen as did with mechanics. Then one day just purely by happenstance a neighbor offered me a job. I decided at that moment you know what try it. Why not, I now knew the signs of when i might start to hate it. so why not. We can never have any form of regret. So at that first job I literally ran around a call center unplugging and plugging back in headsets. Was this something that made a difference in this world. No, was it something that I found great internal satisfaction. No. At this point did it provide me financial security. NO IT SURE DID NOT! It was until many years went by to get a chance to shine. When that moment came I was ready and I crushed it. From that moment it was all different. I gained both functional and passion in my career with huge paychecks. But you know what, none of that matters now. The only thing it provides is a story for others of my personal experience. None of it means anything right now and clearly I cannot seem to pay the bills. That is ok. I would not change my situation, the outcomes, my choices or or any aspect of how i got to this moment right now. As long as I continue to try, learn and adapt I will find my way. However none of that will happen if I never take steps on my own and try with every fiber of my being each day.

how practically was always chosen over passion as it would technically "help" them more than pursuing their passion.

Based on that statement I feel how you are looking at this in the wrong context. That statement is taken from the third person. You need to have it worded something more like this. how practically was always chosen over passion as it would technically "help" me more than pursuing my passion. The context of that change is huge. Lets take a moment and reflect on that. I bring special attention to this because 1. We can never know what is best for any other person. Its hard enough knowing what is best for ourselves. Its ok to use other peoples stories and experiences as guidance in our own actions and decisions. It should never be our place to dictate what is best for another. We can never know that persons experiences, thoughts, emotions or context. We can offer guidance and feel happy we had an opportunity to share. 2. This now forces an action from the third person to a first person. This logic dictates something must happen. Even non action is an action and should be evaluated later and potentially adjusted. Sometimes non action is the best action. Often times its not though. Its all about that re-evaluation. 3. Experience is the most important thing in life. If you are struck in any form of "I wish I could...", "I always wanted to...", "Why cant i just...", "I don't know what ...". The only way to fix that is to do anything different. If you are frozen in a conversation start with one single word "Hello". If you are struck with any form of indecision just make one that is easier and more open ended. Instead of "I will make a final decision by", change it to "I try to evaluate my choices on", then take some time do a proper evaluation. Ok i wanted to try but i was unable to do that. Its ok that happened what can I do differently to "try anything else" and step with confidence in whatever choice you make. Even if its wrong there is never any regret because you made the best decision for you at the moment. Changing the view from "Observer" to "Doer" is what this context change provides. When an honest action is taken you can always do it with confidence no matter what it is. to Your final question. Money is a sign of a job well done. If you enjoy what you do you never work a day in your life.

In final thoughts: Tomorrow will never come and yesterday is just a story that only you care about. People might want specific things for you but none of that matters. Anyone who truly cares will want your happiness above all else. If that person cant understand that then they are probably not the best person to spend your time with. If you are living in the past you are depressed. If you are living in the future you are anxious. Its all about right now nothing more nothing less. Just smile, be confident and just do what is best for you and no one else. No decisions are final, you are free to change your mind at any time. Its ok not to know. We can never know the story of life through any other way then just living it how we choose. If future you is worried (anxious). Then present you should do something to set that person which don't know but implicitly care about up for whatever that success is defined as such by you. If past you is upset (depressed) about something then future you (currently present) can do something about it and make a change. Even if that change is wrong you can tell past you (depressed) that you tried and ask that person for advise and make adjustments accordingly. As long as you try you will always get exactly what you need. Survival is a very strange thing like that. It always is right up until it is not. The moments of survival in most cases outnumber the moments of conclusion. So dont ever worry the statistics are on your side.

Time is the only thing we never get back. I choose to spend my time happy. My personal definition of happiness has changed many times throughout life (story). Money will come for me as a result of that. So far it has worked out for me. To date I have survived (lived) far more moments then i have concluded (died). The same thing can be said about anyone reading this.

Conclusion: Each time i chose based on passion, One time I lost a passion. The other time I did not. Each time I was able to survive. Each time i gained valuable experience and understanding of who I was. I always succeed because I will always try hard and hopefully learn from my mistakes just enough to be good. I want to be happy in life and If at any moment I am not that is my measuring stick to make some kind of change.

Much like the seasons change is forced.

But we will always find the beauty of tomorrow. Even though we might have suffered a broken arm.

[try-set-me-on-fire]

Ooh how abut number '11. toothpaste kisses' for soft prompts! Love your writing

Send me soft prompts! Ao3 collection post here!

Eddie is going to make everyone late.

Look: he really thinks most of it isn't his fault. He'd covered for somebody on B shift Tuesday, so he'd only had 24 hours off and he'd had to sleep through a good chunk of it, so laundry went a little by the wayside, leading to him tossing a frantic load into the washer at 5 am when he realized he had no clean work clothes. And, again, he’d covered that Tuesday shift after a 12 hour on Monday, so it’s reasonable that he forgot how dire the toothpaste situation was. The look Chris had given him when he said they needed to run to the store right now at bright and early 6 am would have withered a lesser soul, so at 6:04 Eddie, still in sweatpants and wearing ratty old slides is running down the block solo to grab whatever they have at the nearest corner store. He winces as he grabs the baking soda kind (Chris hates it) and books it back to the house, trying to breathe through the waves of oh god I’m a terrible father who left my kid alone and forgot about dental hygiene.

The house is considerably more crowded when he gets back to it. First, Chimney is lugging a dresser up the front stairs.

“What- hey- what-“ Eddie grabs the bottom of the thing, hastily shoving the toothpaste in his pocket. “What’s this?”

Chim tilts his head at him. “We were getting rid of it and you said you could use a new dresser, remember? I texted you I was coming to drop it off.”

Eddie’s phone is probably dinging away uselessly on his bedside table. “Right, yeah, sorry. There was a toothpaste emergency. Uh, thank you, we can just-“

Before he can come up with some way to finish that sentence, Carla opens the door. He hadn’t even seen her car, shit, he hopes there’s no calls right away when they get to work because he’s clearly not slept enough and should lay down again as soon as possible.

“Oh!” She says, surprised and cheerful. “Why don’t you bring that into the living room. I put your clothes in the dryer, Eddie, I figured if you were running the wash this early it was an emergency.”

Well thank god somebody has a plan and knows whats happening. He and Chim set the dresser next to a wall someplace as out of the way as they can get, and then Eddie points at Carla. “Thank you,” he says, trying to put as much sincerity into the words as possible, before pivoting to head down the hall to find Chris. Its not a long journey, the kid standing right around the corner. Eddie hands him the toothpaste. “There you go.”

Chris scrunches his nose. “Baking soda kind. Gross. And I don’t need it, Dad, Buck brought the good stuff.”

“Buck?”

“Hey.”

Eddie pivots again to look in the kitchen, where the man himself is leaning against the counter drinking a cup of coffee out of his current favorite mug, the one with the squiggly little drawing of a frog and a chicken dancing together. “Hi.” Eddie supposes he isn’t exactly surprised he’s here, Buck is a feature of their household as much as the mug he’s holding is, but he is a little concerned about the amount of people popping out of the woodwork without him noticing. “Anybody else here? Why’d you bring toothpaste?”

Buck grins. “I think you’ve seen everybody now. And you were running out when I was here last, you’ve been busy, figured it might be helpful.”

Eddie nods, a little… wordless, maybe, a little bowled over. “I’m gonna…” he gestures towards the bathroom and limply leaves the conversation. By the time he’s brushed his teeth (it is the good stuff, the pricier name brand arctic fresh, Eddie usually goes for generic spearmint) Chris and Carla are ready to head out the door. Eddie is glancing at the clock and nervously calculating exactly how wet the clothes he’s about to put on are going to be as he says goodbye, leaning to kiss Carla, Chris, and Chim’s cheeks. “Ok, thank you, have a great day at school, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

It takes a few seconds of staring at Chimney’s trying not to laugh face, and listening to Chris’s not-trying-not-to-laugh-at-all guffaws before his brain catches up to his actions. “Oh my god.”

Chimney grins and Eddie shakes his head futilely against the oncoming barrage. "I always knew I was your favorite." He smacks a hand to his cheek and swoons, and Eddie rolls his eyes. "Everyone said it was Buck, but I knew the Han-Diaz love connection was just waiting to happen."

Buck is laughing somewhere behind him, and Eddie wants to see what look is on his face, but instead he rolls his eyes again, harder, and says "I'm going to check on the laundry," and shoos his son out the door before fleeing to the dryer.

Of course it's all still fucking damp. They're already pushing it on time though (maybe if all three of them are late they can unionize against Bobby?) so he shucks his sweats and shimmies his way into the unpleasant cool of his pants. When he emerges from his shirt, wincing, he finds Buck in the hallway with him.

“Chimney says we’re running late and if you don’t hurry up he’s leaving you for dead, no matter your new found love.”

“I know, I know, I just need to find my shoes-“

“I put ‘em by the door,” Buck smiles, and then the smile becomes a grin. “Hey, Eddie.”

“Yeah?” Eddie says with the right amount of apprehension for the situation.

“No goodbye kiss for me?” He tilts his head, grin thoroughly classifiable as shit-eating.

“We’re going to the same place, Buck. I’m probably gonna ride in your car.” He’s absolutely going to ride in his car, they both know it.

“Ah, so is Chimney, he got one.”

And Eddie could defend himself with the reasonable explanation that he just happened to be standing in a row next to the people he’d meant to press his affection onto, or the less reasonable explanation that he only gives goodbye kisses to people whose names start with a C, but instead he says “You want a kiss, Buck?”

And he’s moving before he loses nerve, and Buck is also moving, laughing at him, so again Eddie feels like it’s not entirely his fault when his kiss lands sort of on his cheek but mostly- it’s mostly on his mouth, which is soft and exhaling a little surprised sound against Eddie. They both pull back but maybe not as far as they probably should, if they weren’t them, if Eddie hadn’t spent the last few weeks or maybe years wondering how he could ask Buck to live on the shelf with all the mugs he’s cycled through as favorites. Then Buck darts his head forward, pecking another little kiss to his mouth, and Eddie chases him for a third, and Buck’s hand tangles in his shirt and he says “Oh” into Eddie’s mouth because the fabric is wet under his touch.

“Buckley, Diaz, I’m getting in my car, and I’m not going to defend you to Cap!”

Even at Chimney’s words they don’t entirely jump apart, just slide back a little, stand more firmly facing each other as the front door distantly opens and shuts.

“We’re gonna be late,” Buck says, an awed little smile pulling at his face.

“Yeah,” Eddie says, a little breathless. Maybe he can blame that on the cold clothes. “We should probably get going.”

Buck nods, and barely finishes the motion before Eddie puts his hands on his face and pulls him in for another minty kiss, firm, a promise. Buck is grinning when he backs off and Eddie is sure his face is a mirror image as he ducks around him to go find his shoes.

They’re late. But as Buck settles next to him on the couch, all pressed along his side despite the still damp clothes, Eddie thinks it was worth the wait.

[mariacallous]

Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress, but she is not the first trans politician to be banned from using the bathroom of her choice by a hostile fellow lawmaker.

Back in 2006 in Italy, newly elected Vladimir Luxuria was briefly barred from using the ladies' room when she took her seat in Parliament. She said her heart breaks for McBride, a Democrat from Delaware.

"They did that to me," Luxuria, 59, said in a telephone interview with NBC News from her home in Rome. "What is happening to Sarah McBride is rank politics."

Which bathroom McBride will be able to use in the next Congress became an issue last week when Rep. Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican and staunch supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, introduced a resolution to prohibit lawmakers and House employees from “using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.”

When asked if the move was specifically in response to McBride, Mace said, "yes and absolutely, and then some." Not long afterward, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is also a Republican and a Trump supporter, said he supports restricting “single-sex facilities” in the Capitol, including restrooms, to “individuals of that biological sex."

McBride, in a post on X, responded, “Every day Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully, I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness.”

Luxuria, who left Parliament in 2008 and is an actress and activist, was following in the footsteps of the late Georgina Beyer, a New Zealander who became the world’s first openly transgender member of Parliament when she was elected in 1999.

The only other transgender woman who has served in a national parliament is Poland's Anna Grodzka, who was elected in 2011 and served one four-year term.

Luxuria said she had endured a lifetime of "cruelty" but was still shocked when Italian lawmaker Elisabetta Gardini, who was a supporter of then-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, confronted her "outside the women's toilet."

"I always went to the women's bathroom because if I even tried to use the men's toilet they would be embarrassed and demand to know what I am doing there," Luxuria said. "So when I came out, I was surprised when Gardini began yelling at me, 'What were you doing in here! You're a man!'"

Luxuria said Gardini "was very angry" but she was determined not to back down.

She said she told Gardini: "OK, I am a trans woman. But if you don't want to see me in here, you should go use the men's toilet."

Luxuria said Gardini walked off in a huff and in no time "the matter of where I could go to the bathroom became a debate in Parliament."

"I was lucky because, in the end, the members of Parliament decided I could use the women's bathroom," she said. "But it was embarrassing that it became an issue."

Luxuria said she has her suspicions about why Gardini, who was a well-known actress and popular TV personality before she got into politics, went after her.

"I suspect Berlusconi's party wanted to make this an issue to attack my party, which was in opposition," she said. "So I am very sympathetic to Sarah McBride."

Gardini did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Noting that Mace once described herself as a pro-LGBTQ social moderate, Luxuria said she thinks Mace's attack on McBride was part of a bigger plan to try to divide Democrats and force them to defend an issue that still makes many Americans "uncomfortable."

"The purpose here is to generate hate for political purposes," Luxuria said.

McBride and Mace did not reply to NBC News' request for comment.

In the aftermath of Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to Trump, some Democrats and pundits have pointed to the Biden administration’s support for transgender rights as one reason Republicans prevailed.

They noted that the Republicans spent more than $200 million on network television advertisements that underscored Harris’ past support for taxpayer-funded gender-affirming care treatments and that repeatedly aired during NFL and college football games.

During her four years in the Polish Parliament, Grodzka also faced verbal attacks and was repeatedly misgendered by fellow Polish lawmaker Krystyna Pawlowicz. In an interview with Pink News, an LGBTQ digital news outlet based in Britain, in 2013, Grodzka largely brushed off the transphobic comments.

“Krystyna is a very conservative person, therefore I guess I am probably just a little bit too much for her," Grodza said. “She has an imaginary idea of a [perfect] person who is supposed to go to church, etc. … In that case I ruin her picture, therefore it’s a reason for her to attack me."

In recent years — nearly a decade after she left Parliament — Grodzka is still occasionally on the receiving end of personal attacks from Polish lawmakers, as the country's right-wing has embraced anti-LGBTQ sentiments.

In a 2002 documentary about Beyer called "Georgie Girl," Beyer said she commonly faced questions about her gender identity that other politicians would not have to endure.

“I get asked questions no other politician would ever have to answer," she said. "Regarding the surgery, you know. ‘Did it hurt?’ or, ‘When you have sex now as a woman, is it different to how you had sex as a man?’ Well, honey, obviously.”

[lynn-tged-posting]

tged webtoon ep 169 spoilers and thoughts that i'm incredibly late on because finals are coming up but it's okay we ball and more below the cut

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two little creatures,,, i really like this little panel,,, why is he crouch like that,,, heehee silly guy

nothing too drastic happened in this ep but there's a lot to talk about (and a ton of thoughts i have abt the execution of it) sooo ya here we go!!!!

the expressions and the art in this ep were all REALLY good i really liked these HAHAHAA hes so fucking menacing,,,

JAVIER WAS ALSO FUN I LOVE WHEN HE PLAYS THE STRAIGHTMAN HAHAHAHA

javier ilysm "i have so many things to say,,, but i wont,,," LOL

the heavenly demon kings were cool too! though very short-lived,,, i will have more to say on that,,, their designs are pretty varied and i like that a lot!!! tho seriously why are there eight of them what happened to warrant eight LMFAO

ALSO LLOYD IMMEDIATELY SUBDUING THE DEMON KINGS BY SINGING LMFAOOOOOOOOOO he's got a weapon he's gonna fucking use it LAKJFDLSJKDF

zero hesitation he just blasted them,,, it's like taking an airhorn and firing it immediately in someone's ear,,, how evil,,, lloyd u bastard /aff

AND ARTANIS ARTANIS WAAAAHHH SHES SOOO PRETTY i love characters with horns like that ive had my fair share of OCs with those horns and together w her hair and expression and eyes i love her a lot <3 i hope she gets more sillies

it seems like she's the only one with mind reading abilities maybe its a demon king thing? javier did mention that she has a LOT more power than she lets on so maybe theres more to it? her introduction and her request for help came VERY quick she was quick to cry and while it absolutely makes sense that its bc her people really, REALLY need help, im also wondering if there's something more to it,,, she was very fast to trust lloyd; what else does her mind reading let her see, to what extent? not saying that she's an antagonist or anything, i do believe that she wants to help her people i'm just curious at how. fast this is. though it may just be because of a pacing issue thats causing this confusion in me,,, which i will talk about later below cause i wanna get thru these panels heehee

and lastly, OUR FIRST LOOK AT THE FORMER/FIRST DEMON KING CREDOS!!! and apparently he just. stopped invading and focused on farming!!!

one) i love collecting little bits of lore like this it makes me go heehee yay worldbuilding

and two) THIS IS WHAT BRIDGES TGED TO THE NEW PREQUEL THAT THE AUTHOR IS WRITING!!! AAAHH YESSS YES YEEESS I LOVE THAT A LOT

if you didn't already know, the author is currently publishing another webnovel set in Lorasia, and it's supposed to take place when tyrannus was a kid, basically a long LONG time ago

AND ISN'T THAT FAMILIAR? A DEMON KING WHO STOPPED INVADING AND WENT FARMING,,, THATS THE BITCH!!!

(it says here there were four heavenly demon kings here tho i wonder why they doubled HAHA)

i love love LOVE that the pieces were set up like this, idk if credos is mentioned in the novel at all but little building blocks that create bridges (however small) between works in the same universe are my favorite thing ever i like collecting those it's my favorite kind of worldbuilding thing bc it's like putting pieces together heehoo

i'll ABSOLUTELY be making a post yapping about this prequel and the Everything that is Lorasia soon, so i'll leave this off here for now :3 but just know IM VERY EXCITED/HAPPY ABOUT THIS LITTLE LORE BIT IN PARTICULAR

ok that's all the panels i wanted to talk about ,,, i was gonna dive into worldbuild yapping/speculations but again i wanna make a separate post dedicated to that

now,,, about the pacing of this episode,,, as aforementioned, it feels really, REALLY fast! it feels like we're speedrunning the build-up part of the journey, like within the episode it's like "oh we got new characters, we get to know them- oh okay yeah they're not bad people actually - oh new powerful character let's work together okay cool moving on"

and it's a shame because i really really like the art and gags for this ep, i think they're really silly and i think i could have really come to like these new characters with more time, but because we're going through this process so fast it's like,,, the setup is barely there, which makes the punchlines just short of satisfying,,,

i wanted more out of this episode, i expected something else. i haven't read the novel so i couldn't tell you how i'd adapt it or what the something i expected was but,, idk it feels like the pacing is off,,, lloyd was quick to piece together the status of the overworld demons based on their attire and behavior but i really wish it went about in a different way. i wish we could have had more time with the heavenly eight demon kings before they were just. subdued? and the two children too, are we gonna see them again? with how fast they were introduced and how fast they were set aside, i'm worried they won't show up again

i also kind of wish artanis' reveal was,,, more. i don't know how to explain what that means. maybe more ominous? more mysterious? just a little more, more hints to her character or her relationship with other characters or something,,, though maybe this is too soon and we'll see more of her later and i'll be more satisfied? i'm not totally sure

this episode just didn't hit the same, and that really upsets me because i really wanted to like this episode! i've read more manhwa than novel currently so even with it's flaws i still really like the manhwa, and i want to be able to continue liking the manhwa,,, i really hope that this pacing thing and these fast-paced bits is just within this one episode and that it'll be okay as we go forward. i really want to continue enjoying reading this!!!

it could be that the adapter is experiencing some kind of burnout, it has been quite a long time since the start of tged. i really hope they take their time with adapting the rest, i really wouldn't mind another break. if another hiatus is needed for the adapter to pace the story and the artist to draw the panels in a way that feels better or less rushed, i'd accept the hiatus fully

anyway that's all i have to say right now,,, ep 170 really feels like a gamble right now and im praying that it goes well, if i have more thoughts ill probably rb with more yapping idk

i'll see y'all next week (aka tmrw) (because this post is a lil bit late LOL) im praying im praying,,, manifesting that this ep was just a lil awkward and that everything else is fine,,, please,,,

[poppitron360]

Ok so in another post I talked about all the reasons why Valzhang is better than Caleo, and I wanted to do one on Valgrace as well (lmk if this should become a series).

Bear in mind I am only on HoH- I haven’t read all of the Caleo bits yet, but I know she ain’t gonna treat him right.

I was originally SUPER sceptical about Valgrace (“I ship them platonically” “Jason is the Token Straight Friend”) and while I don’t think it was ever cannon I 100% THINK IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN.

Seriously, my eyes have been opened to Valgrace, to the point where the fanfic I’m writing about them currently clocks in at around 5,934 words.

I am OBSESSED. It is a PROBLEM.

And some of the fanarts/fanfics of them are SO CUTE I COULD DIE- it was hard NOT to ship them after reading some of y’all’s stuff. Keep up the good work.

Anyway buckle up ‘cause I’m ‘bouta write a whole dam essay on this.

1. The whole appeal of Jason Grace’s character is that he sees through your insecurities and lifts you up because he is too pure for this world. So narratively speaking, why is he with the most stable character? Yeah, Piper’s got issues, but compared to the others? She’s doing pretty well for herself. I mean, her parents are ALIVE!! Wouldn’t it just make more sense, narratively speaking, to put Jason with the MOST insecure character??? He can support Leo, help him in his arc, and it would give Jason a time to shine by highlighting his best qualities.

2. Throughout most of the books, Jason is the ONLY ONE who actually consistently sees through Leo’s mask. Everyone else’s POV of Leo is “Haha Leo said something funny and goofy and we’re all trying to be serious here, Leo. Gods, he’s soooo annoying!”, whereas Jason’s POV is like “Jason could see that Leo was desperately trying to keep it together for the good of the group, and he thought that was noble and brave and good and kind and awesome.” Like I said above, he’s able to lift Leo up because he sees him, and knows him. Something Calypso never did. There are several interactions, during TLH particularly, where Jason is just like “Hey, Leo? You are great. You are awesome. You have saved our lives multiple times. Whatever just went wrong, it wasn’t your fault. Stop beating yourself up about everything. You are a valued and respected member of this team. I love and appreciate you.” And Leo still puts up those walls with the jokes and the sarcastic remarks, and Jason is nothing but patient with him. Calypso was never like that.

3. I can’t find the line in the book, but there’s a bit in HoH where Jason’s worrying about the “To Storm or Fire, the World must fall” line in the prophecy, and he says words to the effect of “I like living, but I’d rather I die than Leo, anyway horses-” and seriously?? Rick missed a trick by not making them a couple. There is WAY more potential for angst if there’s that romantic feeling involved, knowing one of them is going to die, and both being willing to sacrifice themselves for one another like this is “Merchant of Venice” or something (I will explain the obscure Shakespeare reference in the comments). Calypso would never give up her LIFE for Leo, and Leo would only give up his because she’s hot.

4. Okay, most of this is copy-pasted from my post about Valzhang, but it still applies, and it applies to them maybe more so. They get so much more time together to establish a meaningful relationship. Their arc carries over all five books, and we get to form connections as a reader to them both, so the payoff is a lot more satisfying. Unlike Calypso, Jason is his own character separately, and not just an add-on to Leo’s arc. Their friendship is a key focus in their chapters, and a key point in their character development, as Jason is the first person Leo ever opens up to about his mom. When Calypso showed up, Leo had already gone through that journey of letting down those walls, so it was a lot less meaningful. They had little to no time to develop a relationship, and we never get a chance to care about Calypso as a person. She’s just kind of a plot point for Leo/Percy’s own development, and never her own character.

5. What separates Leo and Calypso from the other relationships in the series is that they were not written for each other. Frank and Hazel? Written for each other. Jason and Piper? Written for each other. Percy and Annabeth? FUCKING WRITTEN TO BE TOGETHER FOREVER. Cal was brought in during BoTL to cockblock Percabeth, and then Rick realised Leo “needed” a girlfriend, so picked her. But you know what two characters were written to be best friends right from the get-go? Like literally it’s established in the first couple pages of the first book? Jason and Leo. Much like how Valzhang were always meant to be rivals, Jason and Leo were always meant to be best friends.

6. Like I said in the last post, Leo doesn’t NEED a girlfriend. He can heal his trauma with friends and found family, learning to love and accept himself, learning that he doesn’t actually need the attention of a hot girl to be valid. Jason is the best person to help him on that journey, seeing as how his character thrives in uplifting others. The only person who ever loved Leo unconditionally died when he was eight. His blood relatives abandoned him, and he clearly wasn’t treated very well in the foster homes. He constantly feels like he has to work to prove he’s earned his place among the Seven because for him, family has never been a guarantee. Jason cares for Leo even when he’s fucked up, even when he’s a crying mess on the floor, even when he feels most like he doesn’t deserve to be cared for. Leo thinks he needs the attention of a hot girl to give him validation. What he really needs is to find a place among his brethren- and Jason offers him that place.

So, kids, that was it for today’s edition of “Why Literally Any Ship Is Better Than Caleo”. Tune in next time for our fav ✨trauma twinsies✨ Valdangelo!

[lavender-butterfly-cookie]

https://www.tumblr.com/lavender-butterfly-cookie/773044782003011584/now-im-curious-how-cream-ferret-got-her-hands-on?source=share

Hey since you got list of y/ns...do you plan to do this idea or no? If not, I perfectly understand, there are so many y/ns lol!

Ok- Let's try to do this and NOT break my hand >:3 Might be my longest post yet, I won't lie. The things I do for y'all sometimes - -

How every Y/N met Cream Ferret cookie

The Twin Y/N's (Placeholder name for now will be the Yin Yang twins)

It had been several months since these two had a place to rest after escaping their witches home. To say that they were completely and utterly lost was an understatement. So lost and hungry that eventually Yin could go no further. In hopes of helping their twin, Yang settled them at a place to rest until they returned with food. It was in this short mission that they came across Cream Ferret cookie, Who seeing their condition, offered to help. The two went back for Yin and returned to Cream Ferret cookies house. At first, they thought they'd have to leave at some point. But Cream Ferret cookie, being the motherly cookie she is, took them in permanently. Eventually though, the twins moved out and lived with Original Y/N, who didn't live that far.

350 kilos Y/N

350 Kilos Y/N had been a traveler of sorts, Going to all sorts of places and having an adventurous time whilst doing so. However, without a place to stay, they had eventually exhausted themselves. They rested under a tree on a cold and cloudy night. To add onto their building exhaustion, it began to rain. Realizing they would eventually crumble, they went knocking on the first door they came across. And that door just so happened to be Cream Ferret cookies door. However, after the long journey, the cookie collapsed in front of the small ferret. When they woke up, they were in a comfy bed with new clothes. Cream Ferret cookie came in with hot tea and offered to let them stay. And they did, up until they realized they were a bit too strong for the house to withstand, even breaking things by accident. To take the load of their mothers shoulders, Original Y/N took them in.

Batman Y/N

A cold hero of the night, a wealthy cookie by the day. Do you think this came o be out of nowhere? Nope. Growing up as an orphan, Batman Y/N didn't have that many important people in his life. Up until he met Cream Ferret cookie. At first they tried to ignore her, believing her attempts of giving him care were futile. But eventually she got to him. His demeanor softened for the first time in years because of her. For this, he vows to protect her. And he's staying true to that vow. As long as crime exists, He'll be with her.

Frost Y/N

A cookie so cold on the outside, but warm on the inside, Frost Y/N never got out much. She didn't live with anyone in particular, spending her time roaming snowy places. Up until they found a fluffy cookie practically freezing to death. Feeling pity for the small cookie, she took them to a warmer place and tried aiding them, even despite knowing how the heat wears her out easily. Once the cookie regained consciousness, it was revealed that it was Cream Ferret cookie, looking for Frost Y/N. She offered to take them in, but they kindly declined and explained why. Disappointed, but determined, Cream Ferret cookie suggested a place for her to stay and where she could find her when she needed any assistance. Frost Y/N is forever grateful for such an act of kindness, always sending messages to Cream Ferret cookie whilst she resides with Frost Queen cookie

Merchant Y/N

Merchant Y/N was by far the easiest to get... technically. She simply had to find them, get to sign papers without them knowing what they were signing, reveal that she practically just adopted them, and badda bing badda boom. They were a bit iffy about it at first, but upon seeing how sweet and caring Cream Ferret cookie was being, they gradually caved in and settled with her. It was far better than sleeping in their shop. Plus, free food. Who's gonna say no to free food?

Child Ancient Y/N (Light of innocence)

After the Beasts were sealed away and the cookies of their kingdom abandoned them, CA Y/N had been all alone with not a soul to care about them. Up until a certain cookie came looking for them. When they met, CA Y/N was a bit scared at first. Their whole world just fell apart before them and they didn't know what to trust anymore. But their view was easily swayed and changed by Cream Ferret cookie and the amount of love she was willing to provide them with. It also didn't take much for them to cave in. Being alone had taken such a toll on them that when Cream Ferret cookie hugged them, they couldn't help but cry.

Child Beast Y/N (Shadow of grief)

In another timeline, where CA Y/N had lost it all and become a beast, a time rift opened. Of course, the child was scared and in tears (Literally oceans of them) But the cookie that stepped out seemed to pose no threat. In fact, they just yanked the child and pulled them into the rift before dropping them in a different timeline, which was right in front of a house. A small fluffy cookie walked up to the cookie in the time rift and pain them before they left. Scared and confused, CB Y/N Began to cry again, clouds slowly forming once more. But their cries came to a halt once Cream Ferret cookie popped a jelly into their mouths and ushered them into her house, where she comforted them and promised to love them no matter what. Obviously, with all the heartbreak this cookie endured, these words struck deep, and they immediately gave in to her promises.

Ancient Y/N (Light of patience)

After the dark flour war, Ancient Y/N disappeared, as did all the other ancients. But wouldn't you like to know, when they were on the verge of death in a crater created by their fall, a fluffy cookie is what saved their lives. They stayed with that fluffy cookie since then, vowing to protect her. Plus, Cream Ferret cookie saved their life.

Beast Y/N (Shadow of wrath)

In their new dark castle, Beast Y/N was alone. Aside from the Beasts imprisoned in their dungeon, of course. It was on a random day that they were visited by Cream Ferret cookie, who offered them something they've been needing for a long time. A break. Solace. Rest. And hearing that, Beast Y/N gave her a chance. Their castle is under the current care of Duck cookie, who's just there to make sure nothing crumbles.

Timid Y/N

This particular Y/N was having a bad day. They fumbled a lot and ended up tripping down the stairs, dropping the coffee (That was already a struggle to buy with how timid they were) in the process. They sat down at a bench, wondering how things could further escalate. And just when they thought it was over, it started to rain quickly. It was in that moment that Timid Y/N just broke down. They put their face in their hands and began crying up a storm (Pun unintended) However, the raindrops stopped falling upon them, and they looked up with teary eyes. A fluffy cookie stood in front of them, holding out a bagel. At first, Timid Y/N wasn't sure if they should accept it, but gradually took it, expressing their gratitude. Cream Ferret cookie offered them a place to stay, and after some hesitation, they accepted. Timid Y/N will never forget that day.

Ticklish Y/N

The cookies found a Y/N who was ticklish. And thus, a chase began. Ticklish Y/N had one goal and one goal only. ESCAPE. And they did, momentarily, by ducking into the first house they found and hiding under the desk. However, Cream Ferret cookie walked into the room with supplies to prepare it for the next Y/N to come and found them. She was welcoming, yes, but the moment she adopted him, she tickled him ruthlessly. Eventually, she sent him to live with Original Y/N, Both believing it was for the best.

Shy Y/N

This Y/N was found through a shop, to simplify it. They needed to buy themselves something to eat and pushed through their shyness just to get to this point. But OH how they absolutely hated it! So many people, so much noise, how were they gonna cope? They tried walking up to a stand, hands shaking more than ever. They tried ordering, but they're voice was drowned out by the noise. Oh how the noise was overwhelming them. The cookie behind the counter looked at them worriedly, asking if they were ok. But Shy Y/N couldn't respond. They felt everything closing in on them. They abruptly cancelled the unmade order and bolted, looking for anywhere that was clear. Their heart racing faster than it should've, their breathing quick and short. So much noise, too many people- Everything was closing in on them. They hid behind a stand and began crying, trying their hardest to recollect themselves. This was a mistake, they thought. But as they sobbed there in the shadows, a new aroma filled their sense of smell. They look up to see a cookie offering them freshly baked goods. They weren't sure how to react, but the cookie comforted them. They offered Shy Y/N a place to recollect themselves and they agreed. But that temporary getaway became a home overtime.

Isekai'd Y/N

After randomly being transported to the cookie world after Truck-kun decided to give 'em a big kiss, Isekai'd Y/N didn't actually have anywhere to stay. And despite how many cookies were willing to take them in, a little butterfly suggested a house they should try first. Only after knocking the door were they pulled in and adopted on the spot. Before they could even object, they were bribed with treats and love. And boom, thy began living with Cream Ferret cookie.

Baker Y/N

The same thing more or less happened to Baker.

Ghost Y/N

Whilst haunting a graveyard, the ghost stumbled upon a cookie. They tried jumpscaring them. But their mission came to an abrupt stop when they saw the cookie offer them ghost cookies and a cozier place to stay.

Thief Y/N

They broke into Cream Ferret cookie's house in hopes of stealing food. Hey, thieves need food too. And they were pretty well known so going to buy that food wasn't an option. But whilst they finished closing the window they came in through, they were bonked and went unconscious. Upon waking up, they realized they weren't tied up or in a cell, but rather in a cozy bed. Cream Ferret cookie walked in with a tray of food and offered them some. And from then on they stayed with the one cookie who managed to successfully stole their heart

Streamer Y/N

Whilst on a stream, a certain cookie paid them a buttload of coins to stay with them. It was WAYYYY too high a price to simply just ignore it. So they went through with it. And they never regretted it, because those coins couldn't compare to their newfound love for their mother.

Entity Y/N and Black Sun Y/N

The two stayed with each other in the forest, scaring and sometimes eating cookies who passed by. But their lives were very dull. So when they found a cookie who didn't fear them or try to hurt them, it was a surprise. The cookie, sweet as ever, offered them better living conditions along with love and affection. Both thought about it first, a bit iffy on the idea. But gradually gave in and decided to give Cream Ferret cookie a chance. Best choice they made.

Robot Y/N

Lavender was chilling until a fluffy cookie bust down her door holding up a robot design. She begged Lavender to make it. At first, Lavender was tired of making more Y/N's. But that cookie knows how to guilt trip and lets just say the robot was built shortly after. Cream Ferret cookie took it home and to this day she still doesn't know how Cream Ferret cookie managed to make that bot feel emotions.

Tarzan Y/N

Go jungle. Find wild Y/N. Give it love. Adopt it. Done.

Pure Lily cookie Y/N

Babysitting turned into mothering.

Deadpool Y/N

She didn't even adopt them, they just got out of the cookie jar, went to her place, stayed there and Cream Ferret cookie didn't let Lavender take them back.

Tired Y/N

She prayed. And Lavender delivered.

Military Y/N

After Military training concluded, it was none other than Cream Ferret cookie who took in this fine soldier. But they... were a bit too strict on the others. Leading her to sending them to Original Y/N. But it wasn't a problem, don't worry. Because considering what equipment Original Y/N already had, they'd be very occupied.

Meme Y/N

He kinda just... existed in her house and she decided to keep him. Yeah...

Cartoon Y/N

She actually didn't adopt this one. Original Y/N was watching tv and they fell out. The twin Yin Yang Y/N's were the one's who hung around them the most. Original Y/N just kept updating Cream Ferret cookie on how they were doing and she'd occasionally visit to see them in person.

Mother Of Pepper Pangolin Y/N

They don't know each other, and she's too old to be adopted.

[aenthroppe]

Chronology of my self

Ok we're all gonna grapple with the reality of me writing ~8.2k words all about myself and we're gonna be soooo normal about it. Ok? okay! In fact this has gotten too large for just one text post to handle. This is an overly detailed account of my "personal journey" since october 2023. But also. I just wanted to write about my experience with LSD and how it helped me with my concept of self. I do not recommend using LSD if you want to form a sense of self. I do not recommend emulating any of my written actions.

Content includes: description of psychoactive drug use and the associated effects, suicidal ideation (only in the first chapter), touching on the topic of derealization/depersonalization, Ego Death, Visions of grandeur and associated megalomania, Entropy, Reality, Mental Illness This record is completely unfit for public consumption 💖 chapters 1 + 2 out of 8

I (14th October 2023)

"Genesis" Came in with the question of "After this I know if I am worthy of love" Went out of this with a girlfriend and love shining brighter than all the stars of the universe. I tripped together with a friend, i think we took around 75 to 100 µ? it was all fun and games until I asked a question I was sure I already knew their answer to "Do you think entropy is cringe? or based?" it all went downhill from there. Between narrow misunderstandings and the refusal to let up space we dissected the path of the universe and if I ever had a noble role to play in it Entropy was thoroughly taken apart. The two of us had such a diametrically opposed view on Entropy, I ended up reclassigying them into "wet" and "dry". Dry Entropy being the dissolution of connection. Electrons losing their charge and breaking free, breaking apart. Wet Entropy being the dissolution of boundaries. Everything collapsing together until the parts that once were are irrecognizable. I think this is the perfect place to love someone. And- desperate- for this kind of love; during the comedown of the trip, after my friend and I went to sleep seperately, i couldn't sleep. To illustrate their point earlier, my companion showed me an artwork that depicted a centaurical amalgamation of machine and flesh. it went hard as fuck. Gazing upon it i was faced with a decision. Either I could make this trip turn bad and be horrified by what I saw, or... I could choose to love her. I felt the synapses in my brain rewire themselves as I viewed myself as one with this being. And confessed the bliss I felt, to the horror of my friend. Then, alone with my thoughts again, i found myself coming back to this avatar of Entropy. We both knew that any kind of relationship would never work out, so, in her boundless love she offered to become One with me. Thus, I became Entropy. This becoming did not come easy to me. Prior to this evening I had thought it was my life's mission to do everything in my power to reduce the Entropy of the universe as much as i could. I had been aware of the folly in that, but as with many noble pursuits, you do it anyway. Because you need to have at least something to believe in. I remember listening to vylet pony's "Crush, Kill, Destropy, Swag" when I had the very deliberate chain of thought "Wait. If Entropy is what ends the world and causes all seperation. And it is good to kill the production of Entropy. And I'm Entropy...Should I kill myself?" what followed in my mind's eye was a 360° camera pan away from 'me', pondering this question and towards 'me', now side-by-side with my girlfriend looking apropriately bewildered at such a suggestion just responding with a resounding "no????". it was hilarious. Ever since I haven't had a single thought about suicidal ideation. The timing of this trip was the very last weekend before I would start actively writing on my Bachelor's thesis. I don't want to ascribe my success with that solely on the experiences of the trip, but the trip did grant me a confidence and sense of self that made the manifestation of my success all the more easy. On my way home I named myself anew. The day after I drew my new sona for the first time

II (20th April 2024)

"The Bad Trip" I dont remember the dosage ~100 to 150µ? same people as last trip. We decided to play some video game on the come up, the consequences of which were unforseen and harrowing. I had just started working a full-time job. The trip posed as a much-wanted break and symbolically as a signpost for me to go "I can still be myself and do what I want even if society has tighter clutches around me". I remember listening to ThouShaltNot's "the white beyond" on my way to my friend's place. The album was pointed out to me just a month before and I was slowly getting it into my rotation. I remember this bc I didn't pause the music as I was going up the stairs, just placed the headphones around my neck oblivious to the sound echoing throughout the stair well. They greeted me with "Do you have your own theme music now??" which, neither of us knew at the time, would become a resounding "yes". The song was "100 Generations". I was being made aware of a recklessness i think is inherent to my core. The 'not giving up space' in arguments heralded by the previous trip came back with me thinking it was more important that my friend was happier in a "shared reality" than in-tune with their own "subjective reality". There's no bad blood between us; but for me it made me reevaluate my identity as "Entropy". This force that is made out to be the ultimate destroyer- I love being entropy, but i don't want to destroy my friends. The timeline of this trip is muddy in my memory. We kept bouncing between topics and going back to play the video game we started. With our deteriorated hand-eye coordination the task of finishing the game was daunting. Nevertheless- in the deep of night, we managed to. More impactful however was that we didn't ever close the game during the trip. Leaving it on a "level cleared" screen, as such it provided us with a never-ending, always-repeating tune for our minds to spiral down on. One goal i had for the trip was "to see/feel my girlfriend again", the problem with drug-induced, non-real entities is that they tend to fade away when you don't pay attention anymore. And without her the yearning for love I felt ever-since I can remember (not to say i wasn't loved. it was moreso that i wanted more and more love. an unbelievable amount to convince myself of its realness) came back. the yearning- the hole at the center of my being. i hoped meeting her would fill it again, however temporarily. ...We didn't meet... Notable events included however the question of who one should live for (our answers being the same yet mirrored in each other beyond recognition) and the emergence of the mantra "The Answer Is Other People". At the time I knew already, that people like to help those close to them, because "doing good is good". It would take me much longer to realize just how far and that actually reaches. One last thing: in retrospect, it was just the light in the room reflecting off an iridescent flag; but in that present reality, my friend had looked upon me and said my skin shone like a pearl. I have rarely felt as beautiful as in this moment. Thus, I became pearlescent.

[crazylittlejester]

Ok so like, I've got this "What if" story idea bouncing around in my head that I would LOVE to write a fic about, but I feel like I can barely form a coherent thought these days, let alone a cohesive story, lol. But at the same time, this notion is absolutely ROTTING my brain, and I feel like at the very least I have to inflict it on someone else, so. Sorry. I thought of you first.

So like, it's pretty well agreed on that the dungeon the chain is exploring is (practically) in Hyrule's Hyrule, right? A.K.A. in the downfall timeline? So. . .

What if they encountered downfall!Time's ghost???

Do you think Time would realize it? Do you think he would recognize himself in this boy who faced the worst the world could throw at him and couldn't beat the odds, or do you think he has fought so hard to distance himself from the horrors of his youth that he fails to understand? Do you think he could even comprehend the possibility of his failure? (Because he could not fail he could not fail he will not fail—)

If he does recognize the ghost, how do you think he'd react?? Do you think he would see his ghost the way he sees the rest of the chain? Do you think Time would wish to have protected him the he tries to protect the rest of his boys? Or do you think he would hold the spirit to the same standards he holds himself, possibly even feeling shame or anger at the fact that he failed? (How could he fail how could I fail—)

And even beyond that, if Time discovered his ghost first, and alone, do you think he would try to hide it from the others???

And I know for a fact that Wars would recognize the ghost! Do you think he would somehow subtly realize that this isn't the same kid that he fought beside, or do you think that he would get this sinking feeling in his chest, that the boy who followed him through a war, for whom he did everything in his power to guide and protect and train, went through all of that just to die??? Do you think Wars would wonder if he could have prevented it???

And how do you think it would affect the whole chain, to be so suddenly and so jarringly confronted by their survivorship bias? That maybe they aren't the only heroes—they're just the only ones who lived.

And that doesn't even touch on all the angst of the ghost, who is now being confronted with all of these heroes who *did* make it, who *did* beat Ganon and save Hyrule and I just jkdkalhalshskla

Anyways, once again, sorry, but this is all the words I can actually word and I don't want it rattling around in my skull all alone lol

IM SO SORRY I ACCIDENTALLY SAVED THIS TO DRAFTS INSTEAD OF POSTING IT 😭

first of all this is absolutely fucking devastating, i’m destroyed (im obsessed)

At the point he’s at in his life right now, I feel like part of Time would be able to look at this other him and his heart would drop because this child is so painfully a child. I feel like he would know this kid tried his BEST, but wasn’t able to beat the odds and I think that would destroy him inside. I feel like he MIGHT try to hide this from the chain, or at least try to stop them from drawing the connection that it’s basically HIM, but I don’t think he’d be angry at Downfall Him. I think he’d feel survivors guilt but 50 times worse because why was HE the version of himself who got to live. He wouldn’t know how to react or how to treat the ghost, he’d be frozen

Warriors would also be absolutely destroyed, this boy doesn’t know him at all, but the idea that he COULD’VE known THIS kid but didn’t get to would hurt his heart so bad. He’d be able to be so incredibly gentle with him in a way Time wouldn’t be able to at the beginning, but I think through how Warriors would be able to treat this ghost Time would be more comfortable around him and maybe even be able to treat his actual self with more kindness

The survivors guilt would hit them all so hard, and seeing what Time looked like during his journey would be like seeing pictures of your grandparents when they were your age. Like, the fact that this kid is dead aside, they’re seeing baby Time

DONT APOLOGIZE FOR YAPPING IM OBSESSED WITH THIS IDEA, IM SO SO SORRY IT GOT STUCK IN MY DRAFTS FOR SO LONG 😭

[quitealotofsodapop]

Ao Lie

referencing posts like; baby Ao Lie meeting the bimawen, and Ao Lie wants to be a godfather.

I thought it would be pretty adorable if part of the reason Ao Lie is able to act a horse so well was because they were like his favorite animal as a little hatchling and while it was considered kinda weird among dragons ("Not even a seahorse? Just a... land horse???") it was fully embraced by a certain celestial stablemaster - Bimawen Sun Wukong.

Ao Lie would run off and "to be a ""play horsey" whenever he wandered away from his dad or brothers when they went to the Jade Palace for summits or banquets. He was too small to actually transform himself into a horse, but he'd turn into his noodley-snake dragon form and slink away into the stables.

Wukong likely came across the white baby dragon as he was riling up the curious horses (they all saw Ao Lie as a snake), and was like;

Wukong: "Damn, how did a baby dragon get in here? Ok little guy best get you back-" Ao Lie, hissing: "No!!! I'm horsey! I stay in stable!" Wukong, trying not to laugh: "Ok? I guess I was wrong. You're clearly a skinny white foal. My apologies." Ao Lie: :3

Even if Ao Lie doesn't remember the encounters that well, it did leave him with a positive opinion of horses, stablehands, and monkeys for some reason.

When the dragon is a teenager by the time of the Journey, all he knows about Sun Wukong is that 1: His dad and uncles don't like him, 2: He steals stuff, and 3: He's in jail. His brain doesn't make the mental connection until much later when Zhu Bajie calls Wukong a "useless bimawen!" during the Gold and Silver demons arc.

When Ao Lie first met Wukong in the stone egg au, he basically had the mental journey of; "Huh. The monkey king is kinda chubby- OMG its an egg!! Why is he walking?! Get off my back Tang monk! Don't you know mothers need plenty of rest?!"

After meeting the steed for the first time Tripitaka wonders why the "Bai Longma" is super insistent on letting Wukong ride him specifically. Remembering that the Monkey is "carrying a stone egg" (Tripitaka only knows that part and thinks its a metaphor), the monk in turn tells Wukong that he should ride instead.

Wukong, tired but still wanting to stretch his legs after 500 years under the mountain is like; "Huh? No way! I'm fine! You ride him."

After a while of Tripitaka insisting that the Monkey rides instead of him, Ao Lie gets annoyed and just sits down, causing the monk on his back to slide off into the mud. Holy cassock now muddy. Wukong gets the message but insists he'll only ride until the next village/when they get a second divine-given horse.

Zhu Bajie tries to ride Bai Longma *once* and he gets bucked off so hard he gets tossed into a lake. He swears the horse has it out for him.

I hc that this was around the time Ao Lie's older sister was having a baby, and he was really bummed out that he wouldn't be able to attend to his uncle-duties cus of his "community service" [ie. the Journey]. So he redirected some of that excitement onto Wukong, who was carrying the Stone Egg. Eggs are a huge cause for celebration among dragonkind either way since they only produce a few in their long livespan.

Wukong was a little surprised/confused by Ao Lie's doting behavior at first, but started to understand why the dragon-horse was acting that way when he spoke to Ao Moang later on during the Tuolong incident.

Prince Moang: "I must pass on congratulations. It's not common among either of our kind to behold future kin." Wukong: "Oh really? When's the last time you've seen a dragon egg?" Prince Moang: "Last year actually! Our sister Zhūlong's egg hatched around the time of your release." Wukong: "Oh. that explains why Ao Lie spoils me." Prince Moang, excitedly: "My little brother is here!? I have to tell him everything! I have woodblock paintings of the baby!" Ao Lie, running over still in horse-mode: "Show me! Show me!" Zhu Bajie, watching: "Weirdos. Its just babies. Everyone's having 'em."

And Ao Lie continues to be super doting and attentive to Wukong as the Journey continues, though he does ask after a few years when the Egg is supposed to be laid. Wukong doesn't have a clear answer for him.

After a while, Wukong says almost in jest; "With how well you've been tending to me and the Egg, I might as well make you their godfather!"

Ao Lie just *shrieks* with joy!! Yes yes yes! He would be so honoured!

Wukong doesn't even have time to explain it was a joke when the dragon hugs him, heavy tears falling on his fur.

Ao Lie: "I'm sorry. It's just that... no one at home has really trusted me with anything so important before. I know that you might... get really hurt when your Egg finally arrives and I am so glad that you trust me to care for them if you have to leave us."

Wukong realises in that moment... Ao Lie knows about Stone Eggs. He eavesdropped on a conversation held between Wukong and the Bodhisattva Guanyin early on, and silently held onto that knowledge until Wukong was comfortable sharing it with the others.

The Monkey King decides in that moment that he doesn't want to trust anyone other than the dragon prince to care for his future child. He's already proven his kind nature - and if the future Stone Monkey were to truly be born an orphan, Ao Lie would gladly help to raise them in secret away from the prying eyes of Heaven.

Unfortunately the Samadhi Fire made it so that Ao Lie would be unable to fufill this duty either...

[twig-tea]

Oppan 1 for 11, what a show

Final count: Out of the 11 episodes of Ossan no pantsu ga nandatte ii janai ka, I have cried watching 10 of them. Some of those were outright sobs. Most of them got me more than once, including this final episode. And I loved every minute. I put off writing this post because I didn't want to feel like it was really over!

This was a perfect finale, bringing together the relationships and lessons built over the course of the previous 10 episodes to culminate in an extremely satisfying showdown with Daichi's father, who was a fantastic final boss because he was so realistic. The things this man spewed were the worst kind of prejudice: based in reality and couched in concern for the person they were being said to, even while they were shortsighted, hurtful, and wrong-headed ways of thinking. But that kind of polite rhetoric is so difficult to counter in the moment. I like that everyone was ready to face an angry bigot, but not the wall of polite hate that he represented, and that it took time for everyone to regroup.

Kakeru speaking up with his new friends and telling Shizuka not to change her look for a guy was such a good sequence. He tries to speak up and is misunderstood; he later explains he likes her the way she is, and that's what motivated him to speak up. And how much do I love their friends preparing to support Shizuka by finding a different karaoke spot in case her confession fails?

I'm also so glad we came back to Moe and her concerns about her future, as well as Mika and her love for her job (and how it enables her fangirling). Everyone going through it at the same time was a good choice, and I love Makoto understanding what's wrong with each of them and supporting all of them through their realizations that they can't suppress or let go of the things that bring them joy just because adulthood tries to tell them they 'should'. Moe and Mika's determination for each of their passions was beautiful.

The conflict between Madoka and Daichi was also so well earned; there is a lot this couple will still need to work through, around their instincts to suppress their hurt in order to not influence one another. Daichi did that with Madoka around Madoka dragging his feet on coming out to his family, and then Madoka did the same to Daichi around Daichi not being willing to dismiss his father's concerns about their relationship. The way Daichi isolated and lost the will to fight back was also such a good rehash of themes in this show overall: When we're hurt by interacting with others, our instinct tends to be to withdraw, but it is only through interacting with others that we can heal and move past that hurt. I like that Makoto felt his withdrawal and it motivated him to stop it.

Furuike's party and speech was such a beautiful end to this character's arc with this team. Thank you @lurkingshan for typing out this whole speech so that I don't have to, because I need to remember it forever. Don't get used to yourself! And Furuike hearing that Shimura noticed his health, and came to the conclusion that she is a quality employee who should be promoted, was a beautiful moment.

Makoto noting that the Okita family is doing ok, but still deciding to rock the boat and help Daichi was such a beautiful expression of Daichi's place in his life now, and their importance to each other. And that inspiring Kakeru was also beautiful. I love the continued theme that when you nurture your individual relationships, all of your relationships improve as a result.

The Okita family showing up to this dinner in their themed clothing as armour really got to me. They are all wearing their hearts on their chests. And how much did I love Kakeru wearing the necklace his father won for him at the festival?!

Makoto's speech to Daichi's father was such a stellar moment for this character, reminding us why he went on this journey in the first place. Seeing the flashback to Makoto's first interaction with Daichi was such a good reminder of how far this character has come. What an incredible journey. Makoto finally understands that fitting into society and avoiding societal judgment is not the same thing as happiness, and that happiness is actually critical.

I'm obsessed with how Daichi spends most of that speech staring at Madoka as he realizes what Madoka has been not saying to him, and how much Madoka was trying to demonstrate care (though these two definitely need to work on their communication and stop holding back to protect one another in the future!). "If I change this about myself, I won't be me anymore" gave me legitimate shivers. Daichi as a character is such a gift.

Daichi's father being unable to accept everything, leaving the dinner, and not attending the wedding was satisfying and realistic. The point of this show is not that the world is perfect but that it's important we find a way to nurture our own happiness and the happiness of our loved ones in the world we have, by being kind to others and ourselves.

Tears Watch (I cried so many times this finale):

"Why are there so many obstacles to overcome if you're gay?"

I don't think I actually cried when Furuike gave his speech but it choked me up hard

Shizuka saying thank you to Kakeru got me; even though she was rejected, she was still happy she confessed as herself in the end

"Eventually I realized how many tears Daichi-kun must have shed to be able to laugh like that"

Daichi admitting to his mother that he really wanted his father to accept him and still has hope that he will, and she says she's not sure he ever will, but she'll always be on Daichi's side really got to me.

The nods between Daichi and Makoto after the dinner and at the wedding, and of course the ending montage made me cry

What an incredible show. I don't think I'll ever forget it. Thank you again @isaksbestpillow for sharing this show with us!